Best Props for Teaching Children’s Yoga

One of the first things I recommend when teaching children’s yoga is having a variety of props on hand. This allows you to incorporate props into your classes. Over the years, my collection has grown (and is organized in big rubbermaid bins in my basement). However, below are my favorite props that I use in my classes regularly. Using props in my yoga classes helps me keep my students attention. When the children use their senses (eg. touch, sight, etc.) to explore their environment, they are building new neural pathways in their brain. As a result, this increases cognitive function.

Breathing Props & Buddies

Hoberman Sphere – this is typically the first prop I use and suggest for all ages. It grabs the students attention quickly. As soon as I mention everyone may get a turn with it, they are quickly engaged. I explain that we inhale when it’s expanded and exhale when it is closed. Then, I encourage the students to keep their eyes on it the entire time.   Once they understand their eyes are on the ball and they inhale when it expands and exhale when it contracts, I encourage them to sync their breathing with the opening and closing of the ball. Older students can take turns leading the class with this prop. However, keep in mind this is a fragile prop. It breaks easily and may need replacing frequently. It’s a perfect prop to teach drishti & breath!

Rubber Duckies – these are the best breathing buddies for my preschoolers. My elementary school students even get excited when they appear out of my bag! Simply put the duckies on your students bellies during Savasana and encourage them to lay still. If they are tempted to wiggle, encourage them to make the ducky swim up and down with their breath. During the Summer, I like to use these flamingo duckies. There are even ducks for holidays & seasons –Halloween, Christmas, Winter, Spring.

Pinwheels – Super easy and well loved among all the age groups I teach are these pinwheels. We can pretend they are flowers as we take a big breath in and out to make them spin.

Scarves– One of my favorite props to use in children’s yoga classes is movement scarves. These are simple, versatile, and incredibly engaging for children of all ages. I often use scarves during breathing exercises by having children gently blow the scarves into the air and slowly watch them float back down. This helps them visually connect with the pace and power of their breath. Scarves are also wonderful tools for teaching movement patterns and right-side/left-side coordination in a way that feels playful instead of overwhelming. Rather than children worrying about “getting it right,” they can simply follow the movement of the scarf through space. This helps support focus, body awareness, and confidence.

Sounds & Textures

Sound Bowl/Meditation Chimes – I prefer this chime but I know a lot of instructors that prefer the Tibetan sound bowl. I have both. I use the chimes whenever I need to redirect my students and get their attention. Some weeks, I use the chime to communicate it’s time for child’s pose. Similar to the Hoberman sphere, I will sometimes give students the opportunity to ring the chime during class. The options are endless!

Bean Bags – I love using bean bags for all things balance related. We practice having the bean bag on our head for poses, on our bellies, on our backs and sacrums. Younger children particularly enjoy the fact that they are weighted and sometimes use them to cover their eyes during Savasana.

The most requested prop!

Meddy Teddy – My Meddy is over five years old and is in excellent condition. He is worth every dollar! Meddy is able to bend and move unlike other stuffed animals and can be positioned into a lot of yoga poses. I have found that students like to put him into a funny “pose” (e.g. one they made up!) and then try it with their body. We will do traditional poses too, but it’s always fun to do a challenge!

These are the best props and tools that I have used over the past five year teaching yoga to students. They have allowed me to engage and connect with thousands of students. Do you use these props? What else do you use? Let me know!!

More tools I’ve recommended over the years for home and school use can be found here. 

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